This Easy Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork is full of flavor! A zesty mix of garlic, citrus, and spices tenderizes the pork, making it juicy and delicious.
Honestly, this dish makes me feel like I’m on a sunny beach in Cuba! I love serving it with rice and black beans for a perfect meal. Who wouldn’t enjoy that combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Butt: I prefer pork shoulder for its tenderness and great flavor. You can use pork loin if you want a leaner option, but it may not be as juicy.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is key for a bright flavor. If you can’t find sweet oranges, use a mix of mandarin and tangerine juices for a similar taste.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a nice zing. You can replace this with lemon juice in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Cilantro: This herb enhances the dish’s freshness. If you’re not a fan, parsley works fine too, or just skip it altogether.
Spices: Ground cumin and dried oregano are essential. If you’re out of oregano, you can use Italian seasoning as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor a bit.
How Do I Marinate the Pork Perfectly?
Marinating pork is crucial for getting all those delicious flavors into your meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl until mixed well.
- Using a zip-top bag allows the marinade to coat every inch of the pork easily—just remember to remove excess air for a better seal!
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for deep flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Tip: Always keep your pork in the fridge while marinating to prevent any bacterial growth. Enjoy your flavorful, juicy pork!
Easy Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork:
- 2 to 3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed and cut into large chunks
For The Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (preferably sweet oranges)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and for the best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Cooking the pork will take around 20-30 minutes on the grill or 45-60 minutes in the oven. So, total time including marinating and cooking can be about 5-6 hours (with marinating overnight) or 1-2 hours if you marinate for only 4 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Mojo Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well mixed to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork chunks into a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. For best results, let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better!
3. Prepare to Cook:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or if you’re using the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
4. Cook the Pork:
Take the pork out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. You can reserve the marinade for basting! Grill the pork chunks, turning occasionally, until they’re nicely charred and cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C). This should take about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chunks. If you choose to roast in the oven, place them on a baking sheet and cook for about 45-60 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade for added flavor.
5. Rest and Serve:
After cooking, let the pork rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy! Serve the mojo marinated pork with lime wedges on the side and garnish with extra cilantro if you like. It’s perfect with rice, black beans, or plantains!
Enjoy this juicy, tangy, and garlicky Cuban-inspired pork—it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
FAQ for Easy Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder and pork butt are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it might not be as juicy, so be careful not to overcook it.
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but overnight is highly recommended. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. If you’re short on time, even an hour of marinating will still add some nice taste!
Can I Grill This Pork Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can easily cook the marinated pork in a grill pan on your stovetop or use a broiler. Just keep an eye on it, as cooking times may vary depending on the method.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of citrus juice for extra moisture and freshness.
